During the last few days, Jonathan Toews has been in the news. He he told GQ magazine who is open to returning to the NHL. Toews is one of the greatest two-way centers and most notable captains in NHL history, so his return would be a huge story.
Toews was still a productive player the last time he suited up for an NHL game. At 36 years old, there should still be some good hockey left in the tank. Toews is someone who will be in the Hall of Fame after he officially retires, so there is reason to believe he would help a contender.
Your leadership skills may matter as much as your ice hockey game. You can’t teach the experience you’ve kept in your pocket over the years.
If Toews returns to the NHL, he certainly won’t return to the Chicago Blackhawks. They have no interest in running as they have already shown with Patrick Kane.
You would think Toews would end up with a good team that has a chance to go far. Can provide some leadership if needed along with a competitive drive that’s hard to match. One of these three teams makes the most sense:
1. Winnipeg Planes
The Winnipeg Jets are one of the best teams in the NHL at 27-11-1 and 55 points in the standings. Entering 2025, the Jets lead the entire league with that record.
The Jets also play their home games in the city where Jonathan Toews is from. Seeing him return home to a team that has a chance to win a Stanley Cup would be a wonderful story.
The Jets also aren’t as strong up the middle as other contenders, so Toews would be a great fit. After Mark Scheifele, there is wiggle room at center, so you never know what his plan is at that point.
2. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche remains one of the best teams in the league. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, things haven’t gone as well, but they still have a winning pedigree.
The Avalanche sit in third place in the Central Division right now with a record of 23-15-0 for 46 points. With Hall of Famers like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen surrounded by a good team, they will always have a good chance.
Like Winnipeg, Colorado could use some help in the middle. Toews is a suddenly good option now that he may be trying to make a comeback.
3. New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are one of the deepest teams in the Eastern Conference right now. They have good goaltenders, a group of high-level forwards and one of the top six defense teams in the NHL.
If anyone were to come back to try to win a Stanley Cup, New Jersey should be near the top of the list.
With the Devils, Toews would sit out and have a chance at a top-six spot. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are an elite two-headed monster in the middle. Erik Haula is also a safe bet to be the third-line center.
However, at this stage of the game, Toews can be an outstanding fourth-line center, as that would allow the Devils to roll four lines in all situations with an emphasis on controlling their own end.
All of these teams are locked into their playoff spots and should be threats once the tournament begins. If Toews returns this year, these three teams make the most sense.
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